Developing an Automated Grader Specific to Atlantic Sea Scallops, Placopecten magellanicus, to Support the Growing New England Aquaculture Industry

Project Overview

FNE26-166
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2026: $28,160.00
Projected End Date: 08/31/2027
Grant Recipient: Saco Bay Sea Farms LLC
Region: Northeast
State: Maine
Project Leader:
Michael Scannell
Email
Saco Bay Sea Farms LLC

Commodities

  • Animals: shellfish, other

Practices

  • Animal Production: aquaculture
  • Education and Training: demonstration, on-farm/ranch research, participatory research
  • Farm Business Management: community-supported agriculture

    Proposal summary:

    These project activities will generate the first automated scallop grader designed specifically for Placopecten magellanicus and built for the operational realities of Maine and New Hampshire farms. Each step, from design through testing and outreach, is grounded in practical farm needs and research-based methods, ensuring the final product is effective, replicable, and impactful for the entire region.

    Project objectives from proposal:

    Objective 1. Evaluate existing oyster shaker grader designs and Japanese scallop grader technologies for compatibility with Placopecten magellanicus.

    Objective 2. Engineer and fabricate a prototype scallop-specific PVC shaker grader.

    Objective 3. Test the grader with scallop spat and juveniles on-farm to measure shell condition, grading accuracy, throughput, and survival.

    Objective 4. Refine the grader design and produce a farmer-replicable construction guide.

    Objective 5. Conduct outreach including video demos, field days, presentations, and public access to build plans.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.